Alternate Names
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Charlie Dog
King Charles Spaniel
Prince Charles Spaniel
He’s known as the English Toy Spaniel in the United States and Canada.
The AKC Complete Dog Book says, “All toy spaniels up to the time of King Charles II (b. 1630) appear to have been of the black-and-tan variety, later called the King Charles.”
Appearance:
Body: Short and sturdy, square and compact, with a broad back and well-developed rib cage.
Coat: Thick, feathered, straight or slightly wavy, silky and flowing
Color: Blenheim (red and white) with deep red or chestnut markings. Ruby (solid red), Prince Charles (tricolor) has a pearly white ground, with evenly balanced, well-distributed black patches, black ears, black face markings and tan on the face and above the eyes. King Charles (black and tan) is black with mahogany tan markings on the cheeks, above the ears, and on the legs.
Ears: Long and low set, well-feathered, and hang close to cheeks.
Eyes: Large, dark brown or black, wide-set with black rims and a soft and intelligent expression.
Feet: Compact and tight, sometimes with fused toes.
Head: Large when compared with the body and prominently domed with a well-defined stop, short muzzle, and a black turned-up nose and large nostrils.
Neck: Moderately long and well-arched.
Legs: Forelegs are straight, strong and well-boned. Hind legs are muscular, strong, and sloping.
Size:
Height is 8 – 11 inches (20 – 28cm)
Weight is 8 – 14 pounds (4 – 6kg)
Tail: Docked, well-feathered and carried level with or just above the back
Behavior
Recommended for novice dog handlers.
Recommended for children only if they are older and respectful of him.
The English Toy Spaniel is an affectionately charming breed with a intelligent, delightful personality. He’s both dignified and comical with a sweet disposition. He was once the companion of choice for many royal families and for the wealthy. He is considered by many to be the ultimate lap dog.
You won’t loose site of this dog as he will cling to your side wherever you go and get great pleasure at being their. He’s a popular dog among the elderly because he is calm and quiet, not requiring as much activity as many other breeds. A little play time each day is enough to satisfy his needs.
Though he won’t wonder off as most spaniels will, you may find him chasing a bird or other flying critter such as a butterfly out into the street. Be sure to keep him on a lead or in a fenced yard to protect him from the traffic.
This is a reserved breed that will need time to warm up to strangers and visitors. He is a small dog who isn’t comfortable around young, active, and rough children. He is best suited around older children who have learned to respect him. He is good with other pets and easily trained, though occasionally stubborn.
Of the English Toy Spaniel, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the Prince Charles Spaniel, all are similar in personality and characteristics. The English Toy Spaniel is smaller than the Cavalier, his head is more domed, muzzle shorter, and he’s somewhat more docile.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Toy Group (Spaniel)
Bred to be a companion dog to people of royalty.
He was used to cuddle with the sick to keep them warm, and to warm the laps of travelers on long cold carriage rides.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: A light amount of daily play time or a short walk are enough.
Grooming: He should be brushed two to three times weekly, more frequently during shedding season. His ear canals should be kept clean and dry.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 – 13 Years
Possible problems:
Heat Stroke
Luxating Patella
Respiratory problems – due to his short nose.
Recommended Certificates:
CERF (eyes)
He may have a reaction to anesthetics, vaccinations, and other drug related treatments.
Country of Origin
England – 1600s